Karahan Tepe, Neolithic archaeological site in Şanlıurfa Province, Turkey.
Karahan Tepe is a Neolithic site in Şanlıurfa Province that covers ten hectares of rocky terrain. Columns with T-shaped profiles and obelisks showing animal forms were carved directly from the limestone bedrock on several levels.
Excavations began in 1997 and uncovered structures dating back to 11,000 BC. This makes the site one of the oldest known human settlements, predating Göbekli Tepe.
The site features a Chamber of Phalluses containing detailed stone carvings, including a serpent design and an assembly area with narrative etchings.
The site extends across several levels, and ongoing excavations regularly uncover new sections of structures and finds. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear as the ground is uneven and sometimes steep.
A recently discovered statue over 2 meters (about 7.5 feet) tall shows carved fingers, ribs and a V-shaped collar. One chamber displays carvings of serpents and other symbols near an assembly area with figures that seem to tell a story.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
